Arrive at the airport for your flight to Düsseldorf or Cologne, or take the Eurostar to Brussels from London St Pancras International. On arrival, transfer by coach to your cruise ship moored in the heart of picturesque Cologne. The dedicated English-speaking crew will welcome you aboard your first-class floating hotel, ensuring you settle into your luxurious, well-equipped cabin and familiarise yourself with the ship.
As you wake to a sumptuous breakfast, the delights of this river cruise begin to emerge as we drift past the first rolling hills of the Rhine Valley. The forested Siebengebirge – Seven Mountains – a cluster of ancient volcanic hills that inspired many of the Brothers Grimm’s legends, including ‘Snow White’, act as the overture for even more dramatic scenery upstream. We cruise past the famous ruined bridge at Remagen, which was captured intact by the Allies towards the end of the Second World War, allowing thousands of troops to cross into Germany’s heartland. Pretty waterfront towns and carefully tended vineyards come into view as we glide gently into our mooring to visit delightful Koblenz for a guided tour. Founded by the Romans, this historic city is beautifully located at the confluence of the Rhine and its sister river the Moselle. Discover Koblenz’s maze of medieval buildings in the Altstadt – old town – which is studded with a fine array of traditional shops and classic Rhineland cafés. As you wander, historic buildings appear seemingly at every turn; see a former mint, the Four Towers – 17th-century houses with striking turrets set at a crossroads – and many fascinating squares and churches, including the 9th-century Basilica of Saint Kastor. Wherever you wander you’re never far from a riverbank, and it’s worth crossing the 14th-century stone Balduin Bridge across the Moselle for fine views back across the spires of the Altstadt. Tonight, enjoy a meticulously prepared dinner on board, and afterwards perhaps a quiet stroll along the riverside promenade to the Deutsches Eck – ‘German Corner’ – where the great rivers Rhine and Moselle meet.
One of the most famous and distinguished poets of the Victorian era, Alfred, Lord Tennyson was Poet Laureate for over 40 years, with well-known works comprising 'The Charge of the Light Brigade' and ‘Ulysses'. We are honoured to announce that the MS Lord Tennyson will be joining the Riviera Travel fleet in 2021. As with all of our river cruisers, the 135-metre MS Lord Tennyson is being built to the finest specifications and strict safety regulations by Scylla AG, world-renowned builders of the most contemporary river cruise ships in Europe.
Welcome aboard through the opulent lobby with its beautifully polished marble floor and modern lighting. As you make your way through the ship, marvel at the stunning craftsmanship throughout; with sustainable hardwood furniture, shining copper and brass fixtures and intricate wrought-iron work throughout. The floating boutique hotel is finished with buttery leather and elegant Italian fabrics to lounge back in as you enjoy the convivial ambience and five-star experience.
With 44 staff serving just 169 guests, the experience is far more intimate and enjoyable. There are 88beautifully appointed cabins and suites, which all feature an en suite bathroom with shower, individually controlled air-conditioning, flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe, minibar, telephone and facilities for making tea and coffee. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship. For information about life on board our European river cruise ships, click here.